Spacetime and Geometry
An Introduction to General Relativity

An accessible introductory textbook on general relativity, covering the theory's foundations, mathematical formalism and major applications.

Sean M. Carroll (Author)

9781108488396, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 August 2019

516 pages, 108 b/w illus.
25.2 x 19.2 x 2.7 cm, 1.28 kg

'I recommend the book for those who know little about GR but want to learn more; it is a useful bridge between more-qualitative or even popular introductions and more-advanced textbooks.' Phillip Helbig, The Observatory

Spacetime and Geometry is an introductory textbook on general relativity, specifically aimed at students. Using a lucid style, Carroll first covers the foundations of the theory and mathematical formalism, providing an approachable introduction to what can often be an intimidating subject. Three major applications of general relativity are then discussed: black holes, perturbation theory and gravitational waves, and cosmology. Students will learn the origin of how spacetime curves (the Einstein equation) and how matter moves through it (the geodesic equation). They will learn what black holes really are, how gravitational waves are generated and detected, and the modern view of the expansion of the universe. A brief introduction to quantum field theory in curved spacetime is also included. A student familiar with this book will be ready to tackle research-level problems in gravitational physics.

1. Special relativity and flat spacetime
2. Manifolds
3. Curvature
4. Gravitation
5. The Schwarzchild solution
6. More general black holes
7. Perturbation theory and gravitational radiation
8. Cosmology
9. Quantum field theory in curved spacetime
10. Appendixes
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Mathematical physics [PHU], Relativity physics [PHR], Cosmology & the universe [PGK]